Flashing ATmega8 based BL-ESC

It is very important to flash the correct firmware to your ESC. If you select the wrong hex file you will destroy your ESC and or your brushless motor. Always remove propellers in case the motor is connected to the ESC during flashing. Always use a current limited power supply. If you don't have one you can use a 9V Block battery, but NEVER USE A LIPO. The deliver to much current in case of an error occurs.

Flashing firmware with ArduinoUSBLinker or Turnigy USB Linker

You can now select the ArduinoUSBLinker or the Turnigy USB Linker to update the firmware of ESCs that run simonk firmware 01062012 or newer with enabled bootloader. Nice thing is that you don't have to set the baud rate, compared to STK500V2 programmer that also can be used. But then you have to disable the checkbox and enter 9600 to the baudrate field. See the screenshot for settings (don't forget to adapt the selected firmware).

First connect ESC to the Linker, then plug the Linker to your PC and power
the ESC by its power plug. If you run in problems flashing the ESC, e.g. open_ser() not possible or Linker disappears in device manager or gets unknown, try again with the red cable from the servo plug removed.

How to make a ArduinoUSBLinker

The ArduinoUSBLinker is a project of LittleMo, for more information see the readme on github.

To create a ArduinoUSBLinker you need an Arduino with on-board FTDI preferred. Before you can do anything plug it to your PC or Mac and check if it is recognized by the operating system. If not you may get a message to install a driver for the FTDI chip. When the driver is installed, go to the device manager and note down what port or device is associated to the Arduino when it is plugged to your computer.

Step by step

You need a internet connection to load the firmware during the flashing.

Make sure the Arduino is not plugged to the computer.

Start the kkflashtool, on Windows you have to select if you have a 32 or 64 bit OS.

go to the “Tools–>Upload ArduinoUSBLinker” menu.

Select the Arduino you like to use.

A dialog opens and asks you to plug your Arduino into your computer.

Wait 2-3 seconds until the Arduino is recognized by your computer.

Press okay.

A second dialog will tell you that a new device is discovered on port x.

Press okay.

The firmware will be downloaded from the internet and flashed to the Arduino.

When the magic message “Flashing of firmware was successfull.” you are done.